How fast does Topamax work for migraines? You’ll likely not notice Topamax working right away when you first start using it. It may take 1 month for your migraine attacks to become less frequent and 2 to 3 months for Topamax to become fully effective. Keep your doctor updated on your symptoms while taking Topamax.
What type of migraines does Topamax help? Topiramate is an antipileptic drug with a complex mode of action which has proven its efficacy and safety in the prophylactic treatment of episodic migraine in a number of randomized controlled clinical trials. Topiramate is also effective in treating patients with chronic migraine.
How does Topamax help with migraines? In 2004, the FDA approved Topamax for the prevention of migraine headaches in people 12 years of age and older. Topamax does not relieve the pain of a migraine after it starts, but it is believed to reduce migraine frequency by calming overactive pain-signal firing in nerve cells.
What are the most common side effects of Topamax? Tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, tingling of the hands/feet, loss of appetite, bad taste in your mouth, diarrhea, and weight loss may occur.
How fast does Topamax work for migraines? – Additional Questions
What should you not take with Topamax?
What not to take with topiramate?
- Valproic acid (brand name examples: Depakote).
- Zonisamide (brand name example: Zonegran).
- Glaucoma medications, including eye drops.
- Birth control pills.
- Any medicines that impair or decrease your thinking, concentration, or muscle coordination.
Is it better to take Topamax in the morning or at night?
If you are taking it once a day, then it’s best taken at bedtime.
Can Topamax make you feel weird?
Though rare, Topamax can also cause mood or behavior changes, like aggression or violence, agitation, apathy, mania, or irritability. Tell a healthcare professional about any of these changes.
How does Topamax make you feel?
Topamax can sometimes cause personality changes that affect the way people behave, react, feel, or interact with others. For example, the drug may cause agitation, aggression, or other behavior problems. Topamax may also cause mood changes, such as anxiety, mood swings, and depression.
Do Topamax side effects go away?
Most Topamax side effects aren’t permanent, and go away with time. For example, fatigue (low energy) and feelings of burning or numbness in your hands and feet may go away as you continue taking Topamax. Your doctor may prescribe a temporary treatment to help you manage these side effects for a short period of time.
What is the best time to take Topamax for weight loss?
Take this medicine once a day in the morning, with or without food. Avoid taking this medicine in the evening to prevent trouble sleeping. Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Will 25 mg of Topamax cause weight loss?
Yes, topiramate (Topamax) has been shown to cause weight loss when used for both seizure control and migraine prevention. Topiramate (used by itself) is not specifically approved by the FDA for weight loss, but some doctors may prescribe it if you have seizures or migraine and need to lose weight, too.
How much weight will you lose on Topamax?
Results: All 5 patients had a good response to treatment at a mean topiramate dose of 195 mg/day (range, 100–375 mg/day). All patients lost a substantial amount of weight on topiramate treatment. The average weight loss was 22 lb (10 kg; range, 8–56 lb [4–25 kg]).
Does Topamax give you energy?
Animal studies suggest that topiramate increases energy expenditure and inhibits appetite, thereby reducing caloric intake [26, 36, 39].
Will Topamax help me sleep?
Benefits of topiramate treatment have been maintained for a mean period of 8.5 months. Conclusions: Topiramate may be of benefit for patients with NES or SRED in reducing nocturnal eating, improving nocturnal sleep, and producing weight loss.
Does Topamax make you poop?
Topamax can cause certain stomach-related side effects. These may include: belly pain, nausea, and indigestion, which are more common side effects of the drug. diarrhea, which is one of the most common side effects of Topamax.
What vitamins should not be taken with topiramate?
Mixing topiramate with herbal remedies and supplements
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you need to take high doses of vitamin C or calcium supplements. Taking these supplements can increase a risk of kidney stones.
What vitamins does Topamax deplete?
Treatment with phenobarbital, pregabalin, primidone, or topiramate was associated with lower vitamin B12 levels compared with the entire group of patients. Vitamin B12 serum levels were higher in patients treated with valproate compared with the entire group of patients, untreated patients, and healthy controls.
Can I take B12 with Topamax?
No interactions were found between topiramate and Vitamin B12.
How long can you take Topamax?
How long to take it for. Once your epilepsy is under control, you’ll usually need to keep taking topiramate for many years. If you’re taking topiramate for migraine you may be able to stop taking it after 6 to 12 months. Your doctor will help you do this gradually.
Does Topamax affect memory?
Neuropsychological studies of patients taking topiramate in monotherapy are very limited, with a single 12-month follow-up study suggesting some negative effects on memory, information processing and verbal fluency [Baker et al. 2011].
When do Topamax side effects start?
Sudden eye pain and decreased vision associated with or without glaucoma have been reported; symptoms may occur in both children and adults and typically start within 1 month of starting therapy. Urgent medical attention should be sought.